Holidays on a Budget
Holidays on a budget: Holly and Jolly without breaking the bank Series
This holiday I am setting my intentions towards intentional spending and quality versus quantity! Because the best gifts don’t have to be the biggest one’s.
In the past, I’ve definitely been guilty of spending outside my means in an attempt to show love and thoughtfulness. Over the years, though, I’ve worked hard to balance my love language of gift-giving with not going overboard.
So this year, I’m focusing on celebrating the holidays and giving gifts while staying within my budget and leaning away from overconsumerism that can take the joy out of the season. I wanted to share some of the practical ways I am working on this and ways you could use these tools as well!
Tip 1: Give Creatively:
I’ve been in my DIY era this past year when it comes to gifting and honestly, there’s so much I can make myself for cheaper (and often cuter) than what’s in stores or online! Sometimes I even have some of the products I need already at home!
Here are a few categories fo gifts to explore:
Hostess gifts:
Small Self care baskets: Think things that would be like a cute little self care moment: pairing tea with candles, or homemade affirmation cards.
Check out these gingerbread men hostess gifts here !
Personalized Candles:
These are thoughtful and practical gifts for candle lovers. Last year I shopped the candle sale so I was able to get these three wick candles for $10 which normally run for $20-25. You could also regift any candles you have at home for an upcycle moment. Check out this little tutorial!
Gifting Wine or other spirts:
Wine christmas Bouquet:
This has been one of my favorite things to make. I get the greenery from dollar stores or Michaels ( which always has coupons) my favorite bottle of wine, floral foam and arrange. See Here!
Mulled wine kit:
Fior these you can use an basket you have. I had some leftover small baskets from the dollar store. I also used some small wine bottles I had from an advent calendar, but you could snag a cheap bottle of Red wine for under $10. Then grab some mulling spices and add to a basket! You could even make your own mulling spices for a homemade touch! Check it out!
Other Thoughtful ideas:
Photo and Memory Gifts
Decorate or bedazzle a framed photo.
Start a 2026 scrapbook for someone that they can add to throughout the year.
Include stickers, ribbon, and small craft supplies — you can grab affordable extras from the dollar store or Michaels to make it feel personalized.
Acts of service coupons
Offer babysitting, a home-cooked meal, or help with errands. I’ll be making some of these this year — stay tuned for a fun tutorial on how to make them extra cute.
Tip 2: Use what you already have
Reuse paper bags, previous year’s gift pags or tissue paper ( I love saving a good bag!)
Add handwritten tags *You can also find a ton of free printable tags on Canva or design your own!
Decorate with special touches like, a sprig of real or fake christmas tree branches or rosemary!
Make our own holiday decor like these dollar store tree cabinet wreaths I made for a fraction of the price Here
or this DIY wreath Garland Here
Tip 3: Practice Financial Self care:
Money stress is normal especially around the holidays! Here are a few ways to practice financial self care:
Set a realistic budget and plan ahead. Make a list of what you want to spend on gifts, décor, and other holiday expenses.
Check in weekly to make sure you’re staying on track. Take 15–20 minutes to review your spending and how you’re feeling about it. You could even turn this into a self care practice with a glass of wine, hot Cocoa and some calming music!
Communicate your financial boundaries. Suggest gift limits that feel doable or propose free/low-cost holiday activities like walking through light displays or hosting a potluck.
The holidays are meant to feel joyful, not stressful. With a little creativity and planning, you can make this season amazing without breaking the bank!
Sending lots of love this Holiday Season! Love Jenn :)